We today returned back from a fortnight of sun and sea in Aruba staying at the Tamarijn hotel.
Outbound flight
With First Choice via Gatwick. We checked in the night before our departure which was an absolute breeze. No queue at all. We got seats together in the upgraded premier cabin and with the suitcases dropped off we stayed at the Sofitel at the North Terminal overnight. The flight to Aruba left on time and the food/drinks/service on the 10 or so hour flight to Aruba was excellent. Attentive staff took good care, the food was good as far as airline food goes, drinks served regularly and the entertainment system offering a wide choice of movies, tv programmes, radio channels and games. Leg room was good and we considered it worthwhile upgrading to the premier cabin.
All went well until the decent into Aruba. Talking about going round in circles. A tropical depression (bordering a hurricane) was hitting Aruba as we landed resulting in what must have been at least two attempts by the pilot to land. It must have been on the third attempt (it was lashing it down with rain so the view out of the window wasn't the greatest) that the plane touched down successfully and we were greeted with the sight of rain, rain and more rain.
Luggage was delivered quickly and we choose to take a taxi to the hotel rather than wait for the included bus transfer to the Tamarijn - some 15 minutes from the airport.
The scene that greeted us outside the airport, on the way to the hotel and at the hotel wasn't what we expected. It was windy and it rained - a lot. Roads were like rivers, palapas at the beach were blown over and a lot of the beach was swept away by the sea.
Despite all this and to the credit of the Tamarijn hotel, we managed to get a good evening meal at one of the restaurants despite the buffet restaurant being closed due to the flooding. It was chaos, but organised!
It was still raining most of the following day so we spend a lot of time in one of the many bars where our drinks were topped up until we had to stop them doing so. That proved to be the theme for the rest of the holidays as far as the drinking part was concerned. Unlike the many other all inclusive hotels we stayed, here you didn't have to ask for a drink but rather had to ask them to stop serving them! Top service.
Restaurants
There is a choice of two buffet restaurants (one at the Tamarijn and one of the neighbouring Divi hotel), one Asian restaurant, an Italian restaurant, a Caribbean restaurant and a specialty restaurant where you cook your own meals on the table. Unfortunately the latter one was closed most of our stay due to the storm damaging the roof so we never had chance to try it. All the food at the other restaurant was plentiful and very good. Reservations had to be made for the non buffet restaurants and we didn't experience any real problems eating at least once at each of the bookable restaurants. The buffet restaurants offered a wide selection to suit all tastes. Waiter service was efficient.
Bars
At the Tamarijn there is one beach bar, one bar near the pool, the bar at the Italian restaurant and the snackbar. As already pointed out, the drinks service was more than excellent. All branded drinks made to order with plenty of alcohol in them. The snackbar offered made to order baked pizzas, chips, nuggets, sandwiches etc from 11AM to 1AM when all the bars closed. In addition guests at the Tamarijn can make use of the various bars and restaurants at the neighbouring Divi hotel (a 10 minute walk away or a ride of a few minutes on one of the regular golf cart buggies).
Facilities
Plenty to do for those not wanting to lie on the beach. A well equipped gym (apparently!), plenty of watersport equipment, pool tables, daily activities and nightly entertainment which was rather low key. In addition (and not included in the price of the holiday) there is an internet cafe and massage facility. The golf course (9 holes) is just across the road and the nearest casino was unfortunately too close to the hotel (15 minute walk, 5 minutes one of the golf buggies) resulting in many a donation made into their coffers.
Staff
No issues here at all. Each and every member of staff we came into contact with was friendly and had time to talk to you. They are a real asset to the hotel.
Trips
We did three trips and planned 4. More of that later.
The first trip we did was a jeep safari of the island. A very bumpy but interesting ride. We were shown around the island stopping off at the lighthouse first, followed by the now collapsed natural bridge. Our final stop was the natural pool.
Our second trip was a boat ride to "De Palm Island" spending three hours on it and then - obviously - returning back. It was a little disappointing as there was not a lot to see on De Palm island. It was most probably better suited to children as they had a good waterpark there or those willing to take part in snuba or the sea trek.
Our third trip was the fun bus in the evening. Six hours worth of fun on the road, stopping off at a number of bars for drinking and dancing. A very enjoyable 6 hrs!
Our fourth trip was meant to be a powerboat trip on the Masterblaster. Meant to be as we had it all booked, deposit paid only to be told it was canceled as they received a group booking from a cruise ship
Not very professional at all! They had alternative days/times available but we didn't want to risk for it be canceled again and besides if our money wasn't good enough first time....But before you book....
Take note of the following. It didn't have a negative effect on our holiday but they need to be pointed out.
Beachhuts (and especially those in the better locations) were being reserved by the guests. Yes - the dreaded toweling and despite the hotel advising guests this was not allowed and that belonging would be removed nothing was done about it. We witnessed guests reserving these huts at 7 in the morning, not making use of them until after lunchtime!
Rocks on the beach. Maybe not helped by the severe storm that was raging when we arrived, it must be noted that at quite a few points at the Tamarijn access to the sea is restricted by the rocks and that were access to the sea was available the first few metres into the sea are quite rocky. Watershoes are well recommended. Having said that, the beach between the Tamarijn and the Divi was no problem with rocks.
The flight back
No problems again. And hooray - they have smoking facilities at Aruba airport!
That leaves me to post some piccies:
Boat to De Palm Island
Divi Divi tree - a trademark of the Island
Beach at the Tamarijn
Pool at the Tamarijn
Inguanas - lots of them roaming about
Lighthouse in Aruba
Oranjestad - capital of Aruba
The fun bus - a great time had!
All rooms are beach front
The sun is setting in Aruba
Mark
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Edited by
Chris
2014-04-23 12:49:14
Grammar
Looks utterly idyllic!
Booked up at last! Now I only have to wait until July!
I should remember to read the date of posting first. As it just popped up suddenly, I assumed it was a new one.
